Automation

What a fun and enjoyable film to watch. Automation has traits worthy of a Richard Matheson novel. Consider what would happen if all our computer driven devices achieved human consciousness (think V'ger in Star Trek The Motion Picture). Auto, the workplace robot has in fact become aware of his human traits and his subsequent deactivation has driven him to fight for his survival. The power of this film is the character of Auto. As viewers we feel for his situation and are rooting for his survival. If it weren't for his metallic shell, you'd easily mistake him for human. Just because I'm highlighting the emotional response of this film, it doesn't mean Automation doesn't have its share of action. Remember, this is a robot (with strength, intelligence and some hidden defense mechanisms) who just found out that he's to be terminated. The retaliation and chase scenes are lots of fun to watch, and it's great to see some of these office slugs finally "get theirs." All in all, Automation is very fun to watch. Don't be swayed by its low budget, independent status. This film is destined to become a cult classic. Brilliant first film by Garo Setian, and I hope that he has many more to come!

The movie is terrible in just about every way but it remains fun to watch, for instance while getting drunk and with a group of friends. It's completely predictable and a total farce. The level of effort is minimal in just about every way. But then, it's sort of like the old Godzilla movies where you can even see the zippers on the costumes. It doesn't even try to be serious at all - the result is just a relaxing and fun to watch film. The film is satisfying because it delivers what the audience is there for - to see what happens when the AI involved with a robot malfunctions and the consequences unfold. So watch it with minimal expectations and enjoy the romp, or otherwise just don't bother. Now, having said all the above, this movie has a subplot, which is a love story and it's actually very sweet - the robot develops real feelings for a girl in the movie and she's a bit of an unrecognized artist and she reciprocates in a certain way because she feels appreciated. It gives the movie an unexpected depth, so if you can look past the veneer there's a pretty good movie here.

I'm sure we have all looked at the famous actors and thought that acting is easy and we could all do it. Well, the totally atrocious 'acting' by every cast member puts paid to that idea. Watching somebody really bad at something makes one realise how difficult it really is. To add insult to injury, the script is naff as well as the story. This has no redeaming features and really deserves no stars.

AUTOMATION is a B movie with a heart. That element separates it from low budget sci-fi that has to resort to more exploitive means that vie for your attention. My favorite performance comes from the robot, but that's okay. This movie is about that robot. The voice and mannerisms are well done.

From the human performers, Elissa Dowling stands out. There is nothing from her that feels forced. She is believable and this roots the movie as she is the main protagonist.

The story is decent and so is the pace. While obviously an indie production, that fact didn't hamper my enjoyment of the movie.

The setting is the near future. There are just enough visuals to convey a familiar city setting with some sci-fi enhancements, but they aren't over the top. Most of the movie transpires in a warehouse and its offices.

There was obviously not a lot to work with, in terms of budget and production, but I appreciate that the filmmakers properly presented the story and the robot. I give it high marks for doing a lot with a little.

The only review you need to read is the 8/10 by Insprivet, I second everything he said above my own review.

Automation was certainly budget but low experience actors aside it was also thoughtful and well paced. The film rounded out nicely at the end and was thematically consistent and well balanced. I had a couple of niggles with the Sci-Fi technical aspects but I was happy to put those aside because even if the script wasn't 1st class, thematically it was intelligent and gave rounded perspective of the complex subject of sentient AI and how such a scenario may play out.

Above all and most importantly I did not feel robbed of time and I did feel moved to comment here. Take that for what it is, watch it yourself and make your own mind up.